Can You Put Water Inside Your Air Fryer?

The air fryer is an appliance that has earned a place in many people's hearts and kitchens in recent years: acting like a very powerful convection oven, it allows for faster cooking and lowers the amount of fat. But precisely because it's only recently appeared in kitchens, not everyone knows exactly how to use it: for example, can you put water in an air fryer? Today, we'll try to answer this question.

Can I Put Water in An Air Fryer?

Yes and no. Or rather, you can, but with great caution. In some specific cases, such as cooking particularly hard vegetables or certain types of meat, you can add a small amount of water directly to the food: you can also put it in the basket, but in great moderation. Then add a bottom, but don't fill it with water: this will help keep the food moist and prevent it from drying out too much. Furthermore, any fat that drips onto the bottom won't burn and will be easier to remove.

In general, however, it's always best to avoid doing so, especially in large quantities, for several reasons. First, water can reduce cooking efficiency and compromise the circulation of hot air inside the basket. Water can also cause short circuits and irreparably damage the air fryer. Water coming into contact with the heating element can quickly vaporize, causing splashes and possible burns. Of course, we're talking about large quantities of water: if you put half a finger of water in the bottom of the basket, there won't be any major consequences. Furthermore, if possible, use distilled water, which doesn't produce limescale residue and is free of impurities that could compromise the air fryer's operation.

What can I do instead? If you want better results with certain foods, you can try these tips:

• Drizzle with oil. Instead of adding water, you can lightly drizzle the food with oil to ensure even browning.
• Use non-stick pans. To prevent food from sticking to the bottom of the basket, you can use non-stick pans specifically designed for air fryers.
• Add a little water to foods. For some preparations, such as vegetables, you can add a spoonful of water directly to the food to keep it moist during cooking.